Norwegian Film Institute backs ‘Tordenskjold’

Morten Tyldum heads for historical drama

The Norwegian Film Institute is to give 16 million krone ($2.7 million) in production coin to “Tordenskjold,” a historical drama from Morten Tyldum, who directed last year’s hit thriller “Headhunters.”

The org will also give $2.4 million to Arild Frohlich’s family feature “Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder.”

The 18th century-set “Tordenskjold,” which has a $12.5 million budget, centers on the eponymous Norwegian naval officer, celebrated as a hero in Norway and Denmark.

Mikael Olsen and Gert Duve Skovlund penned the pic, which will be produced by John M. Jacobsen and Sveinung Golimo for Norway’s Filmkameratene, and Peter Aalbaek Jensen and Marie Gade for Denmark’s Zentropa. Svensk Filmindustri is handling foreign sales.

“Fart Powder” is based on the children’s book by Jo Nesbo, who also wrote the novel on which “Headhunters” was based.

It centers on an eccentric professor who invents strange potions and powders, including an industrial strength fart powder that can send people into outer space.

The $6.7 million feature will be produced Maipo Film’s Cornelia Boysen and Synnove Horsdal, and will be directed by Arild Frohlich, (“Fatso”).